It's still shocking to many enthusiasts that the big, bad GS Buicks don't get more respect from the collector car market. With more torque than anything this side of an LS6 Chevelle, and a unique combination of luxury and performance, cars like this 1970 Buick GS455 Stage 1 should be on every muscle car fan's list of favorites. That can work in your favor, however, because there's a ton of performance in this car for a... fraction of the cost of a big block Chevelle. This car started out as a real GS455 Stage 1, but during the professional restoration, was upgraded with a built 1972 455 that's an even bigger horsepower factory than the original. The resprayed Fire Red is the car's original color, and it looks fantastic on the Buick's curves, perfectly fitting with the division's performance mission. Bodywork was done to a high level, and everything fits together nicely, including the ram-air hood, which was part of the GS package. It's been driven a bit and there's some evidence of minor use, but nobody's going to miss this big red Buford. Proper GS 455 and Stage 1 badges were procured for the transformation, including the one on the blacked-out GS grille up front. Chrome is quite good throughout, featuring newer bumpers fore and aft, and the unique red-trimmed rocker panel trim adds a racy look. The factory black vinyl interior is in good order, including correct seat covers on both the front and back bench seats, newer plush carpets, and nicely turned-out GS door panels. All the gauges are in great condition, and this one features an optional speed minder speedometer, and the factory units have been augmented with a column-mounted tachometer and a set of black-faced auxiliaries below the dash. The three-spoke steering wheel is in fantastic condition and adds an appropriately racy atmosphere to the driver's compartment and the original AM radio is in the dash, although it's due for an upgrade. The backseat is very spacious and barely looks used, the headliner is taut, and the entire black interior looks awesome up against the red finish. In the very spacious trunk there's a correct mat and large spare tire that'll fit front or rear, just in case. The original, numbers-matching engine was swapped out, then the rebuilt 455 cubic inch big block dropped in. With an .030 overbore and a couple mild performance goodies, it's got the power and the hardware to back up the badges. Up top there's a Holley 4-barrel carburetor that sets atop an aluminum intake, an MSD ignition system, plus bright chrome valve covers and a matching air cleaner with a proper Stage 1 decal. Despite how clean and detailed the engine bay, it's been enjoyed since the build, so it's broken in and ready to rumble. The TH400 3-speed automatic transmission shrugs off the horsepower going through it and spins a correct 12-bolt rear end with 4.10 gears inside. Long-tube headers feed a Flowmaster dual exhaust system that sounds awesome and it sits on ever-handsome Buick road wheels with staggered 245/60/15 front and 275/60/15 rear BFGoodrich white-letter radials. This is a handsome, fast, well-sorted muscle car from arguably the best year for performance and power. If you've been searching for a clean A-body with a big block, perhaps you've just been looking under the wrong banner. Take a long look at this GS455 Stage 1 and see if maybe you'd prefer a little extra luxury with your muscle, then give us a call!
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